Gharaffa Buzz | Monday 26 March

Year 5 had a fantastic time in the desert last week, returning home on Wednesday with exciting stories about objects and creatures discovered on the shore and conversations shared around the camp fire.

On arrival at the camp, the children enjoyed playing on the dunes and in the sea. This was a great opportunity for the children to make new friends as they met and engaged in activities with children from Rayyan and Madinat Khalifa. Following a House Team sandcastle competition (won by East), the children participated in beach volleyball, dodgeball, football, rounders and tag frizbee. After supper, stories and marshmallows were shared around the campfire with children then retiring to their tents for a ‘secret’ midnight feast, waking at dawn for an amazing breakfast banquet. All the children returned safely and seemed to be particularly looking forward to a long shower. We hope the children had a memorable experience which they will remember for many years to come.

We are very proud to announce two recent sporting successes. Last week, Gharaffa girls’ Basketball team brought home a silver medal and the boys’ over 8 Football league brought home a gold medal. Well done, to both teams. They were awarded their medals and trophy in last week’s assembly.

On Saturday, 24 March in the morning, the school’s Dutch community congregated at Gharaffa to celebrate King’s Day. The children had a fun-packed morning participating in Dutch games and purchasing games, books and toys from the blanket sale. Bikes and scooters were decorated in preparation for the annual cycle around the school premises. The children had even created their own version of the Dutch National Anthem which they shared. Thank you to the Dutch department and, in particular, Monica Mansveld for organising this wonderful, annual event – the children and parents all seemed to have a great time.

On Monday, 26 March, our Year 6 children departed on their Blue Pearl residential expedition were they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in some highly challenging activities such as sailing and climbing. We look forward to finding out more about the children’s experiences on their return back to school on Wednesday. Year 1 to Year 3 trips are also taking place this week. We hope the children enjoy their trip out.

In Thursday’s assembly 1C children re-enacted their book week focus, ‘What the Ladybird Heard’ - the children performed superbly. Year 3B informed Milepost 2 and 3 about the history of chocolate in the second assembly of the day. Well done to both teams and thank you for a super performance.

Parents will have received a letter from the Student Leadership team about Thursday’s Spirit Day. Student Leaders have asked if they may raise funds in order to support a local charity. We decided that the ideal time for the children to organise an event would be Thursday, 29 March. The students requested a ‘Crazy Hair Day’ when they could also wear their House colours. They are also asking to run a bake sale to raise additional funds – parents we will need your support with this particular activity. The student leadership group have requested QR10 and a special donation such as dog or cat biscuits to be brought into school on Thursday. The annual Staff versus Students Football Rounders match will also be taking place at 8.00 am and parents are very welcome to join us for this event.

Please remember that this week is the end of term. We look forward to welcoming you back at 7.15am on Sunday 8 April.